Research performed by Don Hoch, son of Sterling P. Hoch, Pilot, 397th BG

397th Bombardment Group (M)

Distinguished Unit Citation, Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) Awards
Distinguished Unit Citation

HEADQUARTERS NINTH AIR FORCE
APO 696, U S ARMY
4 AUGUST 1945
(GENERAL ORDERS)

NUMBER……….152) Section I

BATTLE HONORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I.—BATTLE HONORS.—Under the provisions of Section IV, Circular No. 333, War Department, 1943, the following-named units of the Ninth Air Force are cited for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy. The citations read as follows:

“The 397th Bombardment Group (M). For extraordinary heroism in armed conflict with the enemy on 23 December 1944. At the height of the German counterattack in the Ardennes sector the 397th Bombardment Group was assigned the hazardous mission of attacking the railway bridge at Eller, Germany which was a vital link in the enemy’s supply line across the Moselle River. In a desperate attempt to ward off the attackers the enemy threw up an intense hail of antiaircraft fire which exacted a toll of 3 B-26 bombers and damaged many more. Despite the tremendous odds encountered and the lack of protection from fighter escorts, the determined pilots performed their sighting operations with a high degree of accuracy and succeeded in completely severing the bridge. Although the formation was viciously attacked by 25 Messerschmitt aircraft, the airmen of the 397th Bombardment Group met the attack with such vigor and aggressiveness that a total of 4 hostile planes were destroyed, 3 probably destroyed, and 5 more were extensively damaged, forcing them to withdraw from the engagement. The intensity of the hostile attacks is evidenced by the fact that only 5 Marauder bombers escaped battle damage from enemy fire. The aerial skill, courage, and esprit de corps displayed by the officers and men of the 397th Bombardment Group in attacking a vital and strongly defended enemy target reflect great distinction upon the 397th Bombardment Group and the Army Air Forces.”

BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL KEPNER:
ROBERT M. LEE
Brig Gen, USA
Chief of Staff
OFFICIAL:
/Signed/

F. H. MONAHAN
Lt Col, AGD
Adjutant General
DISTRIBUTION: “A”
(Less units not concerned)

General Order #
General Order Date
Name
Rank
Crew Position
Squadron

GO 70, HQ 9th AF
5/12/1945
Brennan, Robert J.
T/Sgt.
Engineer/Gunner
596

GO 205, HQ 9th AF
8/15/1945
Brooks, Kenneth
2nd Lt.
Pilot
598

GO 57, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Carter, Angus F.
T/Sgt.
Engineer/Gunner
596

GO 151, HQ 9th AF
8/4/1945
Ellinghaus, Fred W.
1st Lt.
Pilot
597

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Engle, Jr., Jack
2nd Lt.
Co-Pilot
599

GO 42, HQ 9th AF
3/5/1945
Hannigan, John F.
Capt.
Navigator
596

GO 42, HQ 9th AF
3/5/1945
Joos, Walter
1st Lt.
Bombardier
596

GO 205, HQ 9th AF
8/15/1945
Kinney, Robert
1st Lt.
Pilot
599

GO 83, HQ 9th AF
5/25/1945
Kline, Robert
Sgt.
Toggleer
597

GO 151, HQ 9th AF
8/4/1945
Pugh, Warren
2nd Lt.
Bombardier
598

GO 205, HQ 9th AF
8/15/1945
Serio, Vincent
S/Sgt.
Toggleer
599

GO 205, HQ 9th AF
8/15/1945
Silva, Frank
S/Sgt.
Armorer/Gunner
598


Silver Star Awards



Citations

ROBERT J. BRENNAN, 36078732, Staff Sergeant, Air Corps, 397th Bombardment Group (M). For gallantry in action on 23 December 1944. Flying ahead of the group with counter-detection material against enemy radar, S/Sgt BRENNAN although wounded by antiaircraft fire, gallantly remained in the turret of his aircraft when he observed thirty enemy fighters approaching his three-plane flight. When the two escorting aircraft were compelled to abandon the mission and the gunners of his own aircraft were seriously wounded, S/Sgt BRENNAN, without regard for his safety, vigorously manned his guns and destroyed one enemy aircraft, thwarted the enemy’s attack until the group entered the engagement, and by his courageous devotion to duty in the face of a painful wound and overwhelming odds was instrumental in the successful operations on this occasion. Entered military service from Illinois.

KENNETH F. BROOKS, JR., O-805251, Second Lieutenant, 598th Bombardment Squadron, 397th Bombardment Group (M). For gallantry in action while participating in aerial flight against the enemy on 21 June 1944. On this date Lieutenant BROOKS served as navigator on a B-26 type aircraft dispatched to attack enemy installations in France.
While approaching the target his aircraft suffered a hit from anti-aircraft fragmentation painfully wounding him. Although seriously wounded and bleeding profusely, he continued navigating to the target, and with unwavering determination and singleness of thought brought his plane, and those following it, safely back to their home base. Lieutenant BROOKS exhibited superb navigation; and his heroism, both in continuing to the target and navigating back safely to the home base, reflect the highest credit both to himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Entered military service from Chevy Chase, Maryland.

ANGUS F. CARTER, 34655673, Technical Sergeant, Air Corps, 397th Bombardment Group (M). For gallantry in action on 23 December 1944, while participating as armor-gunner of a B-26 type aircraft in an attack against an important railroad bridge near Brenn, Germany. Briefed to dispatch counter-detection material as a protective cover against enemy radar, T Sgt CARTER was engaged in his task when a shattering burst of antiaircraft fire ripped through the fuselage and painfully wounded him. Despite his injuries, T Sgt CARTER remained at his post although a second burst of enemy fire further damaged the aircraft. He nevertheless persisted in continuing to execute his assigned duties until his aircraft was well out of enemy territory; and unmindful of his injuries, T Sgt CARTER administered first aid to a severely wounded crew member and then repaired battle damage to his aircraft. Entered military service from New York.

FRED W. ELLINGHAUS, O-523115, 1st Lt, Air Corps, 397th Bombardment Group (M). For gallantry in action against the enemy in aerial flight on 13 March 1945. While leading a flight of B-26 type aircraft in an attack against an airfield in the area of Frankfurt, Germany, Lt ELLINGHAUS distinguished himself by heroic devotion to duty and outstanding airmanship. Despite severe damage sustained by his aircraft during the initial attack upon the target, Lt ELLINGHAUS retained his position in flight and enabled his bombardier to drop his bombs with great accuracy. When his aircraft later became inoperative, Lt ELLINGHAUS calmly ordered his crew to parachute to safety after which he followed. Lt ELLINGHAUS’ fortitude and determination in the face of overwhelming odds reflect great credit upon himself and the Army Air Forces. Entered military service from Maryland.

JACK L. ENGLE, JR, O-720462, 2nd Lieutenant, Air Corps, 397th Bombardment Group (M). For gallantry in action on 23 December 1944. While he was serving as co-pilot of a B-26 type aircraft attacking an important supply bridge at Eller, Germany, Lt ENGLE distinguished himself when intense anti-aircraft fire severely damaged his aircraft; and a formation of twenty enemy aircraft attacked the group. After extinguishing a large fire which started in the bomb bays as a result of the enemy attack, Lt ENGLE then repaired the fuel lines which supplied one of the engines when both of them ceased
operating. Through his proficiency he was in large measure responsible for the return of this critically damaged aircraft although he himself was severely injured during the subsequent crash landing. Entered military service from Indiana.

JOHN F. HANNIGAN, O-792465, Captain, Air Corps, 397th Bombardment Group (M). For gallantry in action while serving as lead navigator of a B-26 type aircraft against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations. When Capt HANNIGAN was severely wounded during an attack on the railroad bridge at Rouen, France, on 11 August 1944, he immediately resumed his duties. Despite his great pain, he navigated his flight safely through intense heavy antiaircraft fire and only after friendly territory was reached did Capt HANNIGAN accept first aid. His courage, devotion to duty, and outstanding navigational abilities reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces. Entered military service from New York.

WALTER J. JOOS, O-739553, 1st Lieutenant, Air Corps, 397th Bombardment Group (M). For gallantry in action on 11 August 1944 while serving as lead bombardier in a B-26 type aircraft in aerial flight against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations. After his aircraft had successfully bombed the target an accurate burst of antiaircraft fire wounded Lt JOOS in the back and shoulder. Disregarding the pain of his injuries he bravely remained at his post and directed evasive action until the formation was safely out of enemy territory. The courage, tenacity, and devotion to duty displayed by Lt JOOS on this occasion were instrumental in the success of the mission and reflect great credit upon himself and the Army Air Forces. Entered military service from California.

ROBERT J. KINNEY, O-685642, First Lieutenant, 599th Bombardment Squadron, 397th Bombardment Group (M). For gallantry in action while participating in aerial flight against the enemy. On 24 June 1944, as navigator of a B-26 type aircraft, Lieutenant KINNEY’S plane was struck by a burst of heavy flak which killed the co-pilot and severely wounded Lieutenant KINNEY. Although painfully wounded, Lieutenant KINNEY performed his duties in such a manner that he enabled the aircraft to return to its base without any further injury to the crew or damage to the ship. The gallantry, courage, and devotion to the duty displayed by Lieutenant KINNEY is worthy of the highest emulation and is keeping with the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces. Entered military service from Northampton, Massachusetts.

Robert D. Kline, 35682515, Sergeant, Air Corps, 397th Bombardment Group (M). For gallantry in action against the enemy on 23 February 1945. As bomb toggleer of a B-26 type aircraft, Sgt Kline was flying in an attack on a heavily defended stronghold in
the Siegfried Line and on the initial bombing run Sgt Kline sustained painful wounds as a result of intense, accurate antiaircraft fire. When cloud coverage over the objective rendered necessary a return over the target, Sgt Kline, although in great pain, gallantly remained at his post, and without making his wounds known, his aircraft executed a second bombing run and he released his bombs on the objective with unusual precision. The outstanding airmanship, skill and courageous devotion to duty exhibited by Sgt Kline on this occasion reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Army Air Forces. Entered military service from Ohio.

WARREN PUGH, O-2016810, 2nd Lt, Air Corps, 397th Bombardment Group (M). For gallantry in action against the enemy in aerial flight on 18 March 1945. Serving as bombardier on a bombing mission dispatched to the area of Worms, Germany, Lt PUGH distinguished himself by exceptional courage and steadfast devotion to duty. During the bomb run, heavy intense antiaircraft fire was encountered and the aircraft in which Lt PUGH was flying was severely damaged. Although Lt PUGH sustained wounds and shock, he determinedly held his position and dropped his bombs with great accuracy upon the target. Through his superb airmanship and technical skill Lt PUGH contributed immeasurably to the success of his mission. Entered military service from Kansas.

Vincent J. Serio, 36648045, Staff Sergeant, 599th Bombardment Squadron, 397th Bombardment Group (M). For gallantry in action while participating in a bombing mission against the enemy on 24 May 1944. On this date, Sergeant Serio was bombardier of a B-26 type aircraft. Just as his aircraft swung into its bombing run, it was hit by a burst of flak, painfully wounded him. Displaying great courage and determination he remained at his bombsight and dropped his bombs on the target and later administered first aid to the wounded co-pilot. The extraordinary devotion to duty and gallantry displayed by Sergeant Serio in the face of great danger are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces. Entered military service from Chicago, Illinois.

Frank J. Silva, 39129474, Staff Sergeant, 598th Bombardment Squadron, 397th Bombardment Group (M). For gallantry in action against the enemy while participating in aerial flight in the European Theater of Operation. On 24 June 1944, Sergeant Silva was turret gunner of a B-26 type aircraft participating in an attack on enemy installations in France. During the course of the bombing run, his aircraft suffered severe damage inflicted from enemy anti-aircraft fire which seriously wounded Sergeant Silva. Displaying great courage and determination he remained at his post and discharged his duties. By his gallant actions and unwavering devotion to duty he contributed in large measure to the safe return of the aircraft and his fellow crew members. Entered military service from Newark, California.
Distinguished Flying Cross Awards

General Order #
General Order Date
Name
Rank
Crew Position
Squadron








GO 283, HQ 9th AF
12/6/1944
Allen, Jr., Franklin
Maj.
Pilot
598

GO 42, HQ 9th AF
3/5/1945
Armijo, Joe
T/Sgt
Armorer / Gunner
599

GO 15, HQ 9th AF
1/24/1945
Behrens, George
1st Lt.
Navigator
599

GO 86, HQ 9th AF
5/29/1945
Berger, Raymond
Maj.
Pilot
597

GO 205, HQ 9th AF
8/15/1944
Bergman, John
Capt.
Pilot
598

GO 283, HQ 9th AF
12/6/1944
Berkenkamp, Eugene
Lt. Col.
Pilot
599

GO 3, HQ 9th AF
1/5/1945
Bero, Francis
Capt.
Navigator
597

GO 301, HQ 9th AF
12/27/1944
Binns, Robert
Capt.
Bombardier
599

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Bond, William
Capt.
Bombardier
HQ

GO 86, HQ 9th AF
5/29/1945
Boyar, Bradford
Capt.
Pilot
596

GO 118, HQ 9th AF
6/28/1945
Breen, Harold
1st Lt.
Bombardier
597

GO 86, HQ 9th AF
5/29/1945
Brendle, George
1st Lt.
Pilot
596

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Broan, Robert
1st Lt.
Pilot
596

GO 151, HQ 9th AF
8/4/1945
Brownlee, Gordon
Capt.
Pilot
596

GO 42, HQ 9th AF
3/5/1945
Buckel, Charles
1st Lt.
Co-Pilot
599

GO 151, HQ 9th AF
8/4/1945
Carrier, Francis
1st Lt.
Bombardier
598

GO 242, HQ 9th AF
10/12/1944
Casey, Glenn
Capt.
Bombardier
598

GO 66, HQ 9th AF
5/8/1945
Chapman, William
1st Lt.
Navigator
599

GO 70, HQ 9th AF
5/12/1945
Clark, Donald
1st Lt.
Co-Pilot
596

GO 205, HQ 9th AF
8/15/1944
Coiner Jr., Richard
Col.
Pilot
HQ

GO 57, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Colahan, Kyran
1st Lt.
Pilot
596

GO 86, HQ 9th AF
5/29/1945
Coleman, Joe
1st Lt.
Bombardier
597

GO 151, HQ 9th AF
8/4/1945
Cook, William
1st Lt.
Pilot
599

GO 151, HQ 9th AF
8/4/1945
Cotter, John
1st Lt.
Navigator
597

GO 283, HQ 9th AF
12/6/1944
Crabtree, Jean
Capt.
Pilot
599

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Craven, Paul
Capt.
Pilot
599

GO 158, HQ 9th AF
8/11/1945
Creson, Walter
Capt.
Bombardier
597

GO 166, HQ 9th AF
8/25/1945
Crick, Paul
T/Sgt
Engineer / Gunner
598

GO 57, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Crumm, Charles
1st Lt.
Co-Pilot
598

GO 151, HQ 9th AF
8/4/1945
Crummett, Richard
1st Lt.
Pilot
598

GO 57, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Dasso, Robert
1st Lt.
Bombardier
597

GO 118, HQ 9th AF
6/28/1945
Davis, George
1st Lt.
Pilot
1st Path.

GO 70, HQ 9th AF
5/12/1945
Demmitt, William
1st Lt.
Bombardier
596

GO 283, HQ 9th AF
12/6/1944
Dempster, Kenneth
Lt. Col.
Pilot
HQ

GO 57, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Domke, Lewis
Capt.
Bombardier
596

GO 15, HQ 9th AF
1/24/1945
Dontzin, Benjamin
1st Lt.
GEE
HQ


GO 86, HQ 9th AF
5/29/1945
Duncan, Thomas
1st Lt.
Bombardier
598

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Dunlap, Jack
1st Lt.
Bombardier
597

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Dzombak, Jr., George
1st Lt.
Co-Pilot
598

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Evans, Robert
Capt.
Pilot
596

GO 158, HQ 9th AF
8/11/1945
Everett,, Eugene
T/Sgt
Radio / Gunner
598

GO 118, HQ 9th AF
6/28/1945
Finlayson, Robert
2nd Lt.
Bombardier
597

GO 158, HQ 9th AF
8/11/1945
Forsell, Philip
1st Lt.
Bombardier
599

GO 86, HQ 9th AF
5/29/1945
Fortner, James
T/Sgt
Engineer / Gunner
597

GO 151, HQ 9th AF
8/4/1945
Garretson, William
Capt.
Pilot
599

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
George, Richard
1st Lt.
Pilot
598

GO 146, HQ 9th AF
7/27/1945
Gillette, James
1st Lt.
Navigator
599

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Gleis, Marcel
Capt.
Pilot
597

GO 66, HQ 9th AF
5/8/1945
Goodwin, John
1st Lt.
Bombardier / Navigator
598

GO 57, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Greenberg, Nathaniel
T/Sgt
Radio / Gunner
599

GO 205, HQ 9th AF
8/15/1944
Gross, Jerome
1st Lt.
Pilot
599

GO 166, HQ 9th AF
8/25/1945
Hager Jr., Glenn
1st Lt.
Pilot
598

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Hamer, Jr., James
1st Lt.
Bombardier
597

GO 151, HQ 9th AF
8/4/1945
Harad, Arthur
1st Lt.
Pilot
599

GO 158, HQ 9th AF
8/11/1945
Haven, Donald
2nd Lt.
Pilot
599

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Haviland, Jr., Holmes
1st Lt.
Bombardier
597

GO 42, HQ 9th AF
3/5/1945
Hayes, Claude
1st Lt.
Pilot
596

GO 151, HQ 9th AF
8/4/1945
Hinton Jr., John
2nd Lt.
Pilot
598

GO 151, HQ 9th AF
8/4/1945
Howard, George
1st Lt.
Pilot
598

GO 151, HQ 9th AF
8/4/1945
Hughes, George
Maj.
Pilot
599

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Hughes, Richard
1st Lt.
Pilot
598

GO 158, HQ 9th AF
8/11/1945
Hunsicker, Richard
Capt.
Pilot
HQ

GO 242, HQ 9th AF
10/12/1944
Huppe, Lionel
1st Lt.
GEE
598

GO 57, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Iuvara, Alfred
1st Lt.
Bombardier
596

GO 136, HQ 9th AF
7/19/1945
Jackson, Jr., Ralph
1st Lt.
Pilot
599

GO 70, HQ 9th AF
5/12/1945
Jones, Robert
1st Lt.
Co-Pilot
596

GO 70, HQ 9th AF
5/12/1945
Joos, Walter
1st Lt.
Bombardier
596

GO 70, HQ 9th AF
5/12/1945
Julius, Loy
1st Lt.
Pilot
596

GO 66, HQ 9th AF
5/8/1945
Kerley, Thomas
1st Lt.
Co-Pilot
598

GO 151, HQ 9th AF
8/4/1945
Kessel, Lester
1st Lt.
Pilot
596

GO 3, HQ 9th AF
1/5/1945
Kilty, Jerome
1st Lt.
Navigator
597

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
King, Frederick
Capt.
Pilot
596

GO 151, HQ 9th AF
8/4/1945
Kureth, Joseph
2nd Lt.
Navigator
596

GO 118, HQ 9th AF
6/28/1945
Leaverton, George
Maj.
Pilot
597

GO 242, HQ 9th AF
10/12/1944
Lee, John
Capt.
Navigator
598

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Lockard, Chancy
Capt.
Pilot
597

GO 66, HQ 9th AF
5/8/1945
Lockard, Chancy
Capt.
Pilot
597


GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Louden, James
1st Lt.
Pilot
599

GO 136, HQ 9th AF
7/19/1945
Mahlstede, John
1st Lt.
Navigator
599

GO 66, HQ 9th AF
5/8/1945
Manchester, Roger
1st Lt.
Co-Pilot
598

GO 3, HQ 9th AF
1/5/1945
Martinez, Urban
1st Lt.
Pilot
599

GO 66, HQ 9th AF
5/8/1945
McCorkle, George
1st Lt.
Pilot
599

GO 283, HQ 9th AF
12/6/1944
McLeod, Richard
1st Lt.
Pilot
598

GO 283, HQ 9th AF
12/6/1944
McLeod, Robert
Lt. Col.
Pilot
596

GO 151, HQ 9th AF
8/4/1945
Mickey, Harry
1st Lt.
Pilot
599

GO 120, HQ 9th AF
7/1/1945
Moore, Hugh
T/Sgt
Armorer / Gunner
599

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Moorman, Milton
Capt.
Navigator
599

GO 118, HQ 9th AF
6/28/1945
Neusch, Donald
1st Lt.
Bombardier
599

GO 151, HQ 9th AF
8/4/1945
Noe, Jr., Frank
T/Sgt
Armorer / Gunner
599

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Norton, Maurice
1st Lt.
Pilot
598

GO 146, HQ 9th AF
7/27/1945
Overbey, George
Capt.
Pilot
597

GO 151, HQ 9th AF
8/4/1945
Parker, Henry
Capt.
Navigator
596

GO 70, HQ 9th AF
5/12/1945
Patterson, Harry
Capt.
Pilot
598

GO 3, HQ 9th AF
1/5/1945
Payne, Gordon
Capt.
Pilot
599

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Petraitis, Anthony
1st Lt.
Pilot
598

GO 86, HQ 9th AF
5/29/1945
Phipps, Earl
T/Sgt
Engineer / Gunner
597

GO 151, HQ 9th AF
8/4/1945
Pollack, John
2nd Lt.
Pilot
596

GO 15, HQ 9th AF
1/24/1945
Pratesi, Robert
S/Sgt
Engineer / Gunner
599

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Quiggle, Howard
1st Lt.
Pilot
598

GO 158, HQ 9th AF
8/11/1945
Ragland, Sam
S/Sgt
Toggleer
598

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Reed, John
T/Sgt
Radio / Gunner
599

GO 151, HQ 9th AF
8/4/1945
Rhodes, Willliam
Maj.
Pilot
596

GO 3, HQ 9th AF
1/5/1945
Ridenour, A.R.
1st Lt.
Co-Pilot
596

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Roberts, Leo
Capt.
Pilot
596

GO 57, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Rosenthal, Jack
1st Lt.
Bombardier / Navigator
596

GO 86, HQ 9th AF
5/29/1945
Rovinelli, Amilio

Engineer / Gunner
597

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Sahlen, Leonard
1st Lt.
Navigator
597

GO 151, HQ 9th AF
8/4/1945
Schell, James
1st Lt.
Co-pilot
599

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Schulze, Marvin
1st Lt.
Pilot
599

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Schwarzrock, James
Capt.
Pilot
597

GO 42, HQ 9th AF
3/5/1945
Senart Jr., Bernard
1st Lt.
Pilot
599

GO 118, HQ 9th AF
6/28/1945
Sharp, Thomas
1st Lt.
Bombardier
1st Path.

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Shatts, Garvin
1st Lt.
Co-Pilot
599

GO 66, HQ 9th AF
5/8/1945
Short, Charles
1st Lt.
Bombardier / Navigator
598

GO 268, HQ 9th AF
11/15/1944
Silverbach, Alan
1st Lt.
Pilot
598


GO 86, HQ 9th AF
5/29/1945
Sims III, John
1st Lt.
Navigator
597

GO 136, HQ 9th AF
7/19/1945
Skelly, Hamilton
2nd Lt.
Navigator
599

GO 42, HQ 9th AF
3/5/1945
Sloan, John
1st Lt.
Pilot
599

GO 118, HQ 9th AF
6/28/1945
Spalding, James
1st Lt.
Pilot
597

GO 268, HQ 9th AF
11/15/1944
Stephensen, Mont
Capt.
Pilot
599

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Taylor, Randall
Capt.
Pilot
598

GO 151, HQ 9th AF
8/4/1945
Terwilleger, Kenneth
2nd Lt.
Pilot
597

GO 283, HQ 9th AF
12/6/1944
Thompson, Clifford
Capt.
Pilot
599

GO 158, HQ 9th AF
8/11/1945
Thorkildsen, Orin
1st Lt.
Bombardier
599

GO 268, HQ 9th AF
11/15/1944
Tonagel, Virgil
1st Lt.
Pilot
597

GO 158, HQ 9th AF
8/11/1945
Udick, Earl
Maj.
Navigator
HQ

GO 3, HQ 9th AF
1/5/1945
Von Gal, Donald
1st Lt.
Co-Pilot
596

GO 15, HQ 9th AF
1/24/1945
Wallace, Hugh
1st Lt.
Bombardier / Navigator
599

GO 151, HQ 9th AF
8/4/1945
Warlick, Auzzie
T/Sgt
Engineer / Gunner
599

GO 158, HQ 9th AF
8/11/1945
Waters, Richard
2nd Lt.
Bombardier
596

GO 151, HQ 9th AF
8/4/1945
Weltzin, Richard
Lt. Col.
Pilot
596

GO 268, HQ 9th AF
11/15/1944
West Jr., John
Capt.
Pilot
598

GO 86, HQ 9th AF
5/29/1945
Whitmire, Truett
Capt.
Pilot
597

GO 42, HQ 9th AF
3/5/1945
Wilbanks, Henry
1st Lt.
Bombardier
599

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Willemsen, Jr., Everett
1st Lt.
Pilot
599

GO 86, HQ 9th AF
5/29/1945
Williams, Luther
Maj.
Pilot
598

GO 158, HQ 9th AF
8/11/1945
Williams, William
T/Sgt
Radio / Gunner
598

GO 42, HQ 9th AF
3/5/1945
Williams, Willoughby
1st Lt.
Pilot
599

GO 283, HQ 9th AF
12/6/1944
Wood Jr., Frank
Lt. Col.
Pilot
597

GO 158, HQ 9th AF
8/11/1945
Wynn, Robert
Capt.
Pilot
598

GO 57, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Yannucci, Arthur
T/Sgt
Engineer / Gunner
599

GO 56, HQ 9th AF
4/24/1945
Yeast, Lloyd
Capt.
Navigator
596




Citations

GORDON L. BROWNLEE, JR, O-690182, Captain, Air Corps, 397th Bombardment Group (M). For extraordinary achievement in aerial flight. On 21 March 1945, while leading a box of B-26 type aircraft in an attack against an important highway junction Capt BROWNLEE distinguished himself by superior flying ability and outstanding courage. Foreseeing that a successful sighting was impossible on the briefed bomb run heading because of sun glare and heavy haze from battle smoke, Lt BROWNLEE, displaying superior judgment and aerial tactics, changed the course and chose a more suitable initial
point. His maneuvers were so effective in increasing visibility that the target was easily located and bombed with exceptionally good results. By his skill and superb leadership, Lt BROWNLEE contributed greatly to the sustained aerial efficiency of his organization and his performance reflects great credit upon himself and the Army Air Forces. Entered military service from Minnesota.

FRANCIS A. CARRIER, O-743932, 1st Lt, Air Corps, 397th Bombardment Group (M). For extraordinary achievement in aerial flight. On 15 August 1944, Lt CARRIER distinguished himself by outstanding courage and aerial efficiency while serving as deputy lead bombardier on a bombing mission in the area of St. Malo. When over the target area a malfunction in the bomb rack prevented the release of his bombs upon the enemy gun emplacements which were harassing allied ground forces, Lt CARRIER, without regard for personal safety unhesitatingly removed his parachute and corrected the malfunction. By his daring and steadfast devotion to duty, Lt CARRIER contributed greatly toward the success of the mission and reflects great credit upon himself and the Army Air Forces. Entered military service from Pennsylvania.

RICHARD T. COINER, JR., O-18766, Colonel, 397th Bombardment Group (M). For heroism and extraordinary achievement while leading a group of B-26 type aircraft on a bombing mission over heavily defended enemy installations on 25 May 1944. Despite heavy and intense flak fire at the target, Colonel COINER held to his course during the bombing run and by his superb leadership placed the group’s bombs on the target with excellent results. Engaged by heavy flak fire as he turned away from the target, Colonel COINER successfully avoided enemy fire without loss. The accomplishment of this vital mission was due to his calm courage, skill and determination under fire. His action reflects the utmost credit upon himself and upon the Armed Forces of the United States. Entered military service from San Antonio, Texas.

WILLIAM P. COOK, O-749470, 1st Lt, Air Corps, 397th Bombardment Group (M). For extraordinary achievement in aerial flight. On 4 November 1944, Lt COOK, serving as pilot of an aircraft in a bombing attack against an enemy stores supply in the area of Baumholder, Germany, demonstrated great aerial proficiency and steadfast devotion to duty. Adverse weather conditions forced the aircraft to fly at an extremely low level where danger from antiaircraft fire was severe, but Lt COOK, undaunted by these hazards, held his course. Although enemy fire damaged his aircraft and caused it to lose power, he released his bombs effectively upon the target. The aggressiveness and piloting skill exhibited by Lt COOK on this occasion evidence a devotion to duty in keeping with the finest traditions of the Army Air Forces.